Logistics

Airport

Driving

We've been advised that during the peak tourist seasons (in the summer), driving in Prague becomes a nightmare of clogged city streets (with cars and pedestrians). We advise that you try to avoid driving to Prague unless this is the best option for you.

Public Transit

Prague public transit well covers the city and surrounding areas. There are three metro (subway) lines (A, B, C), and 21 daytime tram routes (9 at night). There are also a large number of bus routes covering the area.

The transit system works on an open ticket system. You need to have a valid ticket before you enter the metro platform. The tickets are valid for the metro, trams, and buses. Short-term tourist passes are available for periods of 24 hours (110 CZK, 5.4 USD, 4 EUR), 3 days (310 CZK, 15.2 USD, 11.3 EUR) and 5 days (500 CZK, 24.6 USD, 18.2 EUR). For Flock, we strongly advise you to purchase a 3 or 5 day pass, depending on the length of your stay.

Before using your pass for the first time, you need to validate it. On the metro, this is done at machines before you enter the platform area. On trams and buses, this is done inside the vehicle. Insert your paper ticket (as shown on the validator box) until you hear it stamp your ticket. You will only need to do this once per ticket (not once per ride). Be sure you keep your ticket handy, as there are both plain-clothes and uniformed inspectors who may ask you to show your valid ticket.

Coming from the airport

The most direct way to get to the Flock hotel from the PRG airport is via bus. The 119 bus has regular routes from the airport to the hotel between 4:15 AM and 12:15 AM, approximately every 7-20 minutes. Once you have purchased a ticket from the Public Transportation manned ticket booth in the arrivals area (past customs) in both Terminals of the Prague airport. In Terminal 2, it is at the far left side of the arrivals area.

Exit the terminal and follow the signs to the bus depot. You will know you are in the right place when you see an electronic overhead sign which lists the incoming buses and their estimated arrival times. Board the 119 bus, and take it to the Thákurova stop. Total ride time should be about 25 minutes. Once you exit the bus, the Hotel Diplomat should be visible on the right side of the road. If you accidentally miss the Thákurova stop, don't worry. There is only one stop past it on the 119 route (Dejvická). If you get off the bus at Dejvická, just turn around and look behind you on the right side of the road and you will see the Hotel Diplomat.

PickpocketsThere have been many instances of pickpockets operating on the 119 bus. Keep your wits about you and your eyes on your luggage at all times, especially if the vehicle is crowded. This is good advice whenever on public transport in Prague.

You can also take the "Airport Express" (AE) bus from the airport to the Dejvická stop. This is not a public bus, so you will need to purchase a special ticket directly from the driver (with cash). Between the airport and the Dejvicka stop, an adult ticket is 40 CZK (2 USD, 1.45 EUR).

Taxis

If you choose to take a taxi from the Prague airport, it may be faster, but it will be more expensive. There are two types of legal taxis here:

FIX taxis - You tell them where you want to go, they quote you a price before you go anywhere. Not metered. Expensive (for Prague).

AAA taxis (usually yellow) - These are metered taxis, make sure they run the meter! Usually about 500 CZK (24.6 USD, 18.2 EUR) per trip (maybe a bit less to Hotel Diplomat).

Weather

August is one of the warmer months of the year in Prague, reaching average highs of 22°C (71.6°F), with average lows of 12°C (53.6°F). It also tends to be one of the wetter months, so a light jacket and umbrella are recommended to keep handy.